The key difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom is that enterocoelom arises in the embryonic stage as an out pocketing of the developing gut (enteron) while schizocoelom arises through the splitting of the mesodermal mass into a pocket-like cavity during embryonic development.
The true coelom is a body cavity formed from three germ layers during the embryonic development. Enterocoelom and schizocoelom are two types of true coeloms. Both types have a mesodermal origin and they are lined by the mesoderm. Deuterostomes belonging to phyla Echinodermata and Chordata possess an enterocoelom; hence they are enterocoelomates. Protostomes belonging to phyla Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda possess a schizocoelom; hence they are schizocoelomates. Enterocoelom arises as an outpouching of the enteron, or embryonic gut. Schizocoelom, on the other hand, develops as a split in the mesoderm tissues, creating the pocket-like cavity of the coelom.
CONTENT
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Enterocoelom
3. What is a Schizocoelom
4. Similarities Between Enterocoelom and Schizocoelom
5. Side by Side Comparison – Enterocoelom vs Schizocoelom in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is an Enterocoelom?
Enterocoelom is one of the two types of true coeloms which arises as an outpouching of the embryonic gut or enteron. Therefore, the enterocoelom forms by out pocketing of the primitive gut. It is a mesoderm lined body cavity.
Figure 01: Enterocoeolom
Enterocoelom is found in deuterostomes, including echinoderms (starfishes, sea urchins) and chordates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals). Hence, deuterostomes are enterocoelomates. Enterocoely is the stage of embryological development of deuterostomes in which the coelom forms.
What is a Schizocoelom?
Schizocoelom is a true coelom formed through the splitting of the mesodermal mass during embryonic development. Therefore, the schizocoelom forms from the mesodermal split. It is a body cavity lying between the digestive tract and the musculature of the body wall.
Figure 02: Schizocoelom
Invertebrates that possess a schizocoelom are called schizocoelomates. Many animals, including molluscs and annelid worms, are schizocoelomates. Moreover, Arthropoda species also have a schizocoelom.
What are the Similarities Between Enterocoelom and Schizocoelom?
- Enterocoelom and schizocoelom are two categories of true coeloms.
- Animals having enterocoelom and schizocoelom are eucoelomates or true coelomates.
- They are body cavities.
- These two categories are based on the way of formation.
- Both are formed during embryonic development.
- They have a mesodermal origin and they are lined by the mesoderm.
- Moreover, they are filled with coelomic fluid secreted by the peritoneum.
What is the Difference Between Enterocoelom and Schizocoelom?
Enterocoelom is a coelom formed from the wall of the embryonic gut or enteron as hollow outgrowths. Schizocoelom is a coelom that originates from the splitting of the mesoderm creating the pocket-like cavity. Thus, this is the key difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom.
Moreover, enterocoelom is found in deuterostomes (phyla Echinodermata and Chordata) while schizocoelom is found in protostomes (phyla Mollusca, Annelida and Arthropoda).
Below infographic summarizes the difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom.
Summary – Enterocoelom vs Schizocoelom
Enterocoelom and schizocoelom are two true coeloms. They are lined by the mesoderm. Enterocoelom arises from the wall of the embryonic gut or enteron as hollow outgrowths while schizocoelom develops as a split in the mesoderm sheet. Deuterostomes have an enterocoelom while protostomes have a schizocoelom. Hence, animals belonging to phyla Echinodermata and chordate have an enterocoelom while animals belonging to phyla Mollusca, Annelida and Arthropoda have a schizocoelom. So, this summarizes the difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom.